THE evidence that Osama bin Laden and his Al Quaida terrorist group were responsible for the atrocities of September 11 appears incontrovertible.

It has been gathered after painstaking detective work by security forces.

The case set out in Parliament yesterday by the Prime Minister is based solidly on the facts.

It is plain for all to see that efforts to bring bin Laden and his cohorts to account are just.

Even Pakistan, where there is substantial support for bin Laden, admits there is sufficient basis for indictment.

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan is completely isolated in thinking the world's most wanted man deserves shelter.

In continuing to harbour bin Laden and his terrorist machine, the Taliban has made itself a legitimate target for military action.

By delaying military action until a compelling case against bid Laden was compiled, the US and Britain have managed to hold together the coalition against terrorism.

In his frantic mission to Russia and other states over the next few days, Tony Blair will find no dissenters to plans to bring to justice those responsible for the evil acts of terror in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

While he may encounter some reluctance to offer military and diplomatic support, he will not encounter serious opposition to what must be done.

No one can accuse the US or the other nations who lost citizens in the World Trade Centre of a knee-jerk reaction, borne out of vengeance.

The response has been appropriate and measured. The search for justice, not revenge, has always been the top priority.

The Taliban has been presented with what it has asked for - hard and fast evidence that the people they are sheltering are guilty of the most wicked terrorist atrocities in history.

If the Taliban refuses this final chance to hand them over, then it should prepare itself to face the consequences.

And the US and its allies should have the courage to do what is necessary, while the rest of the world is still foursquare behind them.